"CAMPBELL, HON. ARCHIBALD B. in Tp. of Howard Co. of Kent, Ontario; April 27, 1845. S. of the late Neil Campbell and Flora Johnston, his wife, who came from Argyllshire, Scotland. Ed. at Pub. and High Sch. of Kent. M. Feb 8, 1871, Mirrette Burk of Coloma CA, at Winchester, KY." [21]

Campbell Flour Mill Tower - Close-up.Notes from The Iron Age (Chilton), Volume 98 Sept. 14, 1916, p. 595, "The water tank of the Campbell Flour Mills Company, Ltd, Toronto, Ont., takes the form of a gigantic bag of flour built entirely of steel but shaped and painted to look like a filled bag. The tank holds 40,000 gal. of water and stands 152 ft. above the foundations on a structural steel framework which brings the tank in a conspicuous position, rendering it peculiarly effective for advertising purposes. The bag itself is 37 ft. deep and 18 ft. wide and the total weight supported is over 200 tons. The tank was provided for a sprinkler system and was designed and built by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, Bridgeburg, Ont."

West Toronto was the early location of elevators for flour milling, first, in 1893 under the name of Queen City Mills, later re-named Campbell Flour Mills Co.Ltd. and in later years, Maple Leaf Milling.

Born April 27, 1846, educated in public and high schools of Ridgetown [Kent County, Ontario]; at a comparatively early age moved to Chatham, where he commenced a milling business.

Came to West Toronto in 1892 and founded extensive concern now known as the Campbell Flour Mills Co., Ltd.

While in Chatham sat in the Kent County Council, and was elected to the Kent seat in [Canadian Federal] House of Commons, which constituency he represented with distinction until 1900, when he contested the West York Federal seat against the late Hon. N. C. Wallace, but was defeated. On the death of Wallace the following year, he was returned for the seat. From 1904 to November 1907 he represented Centre York. Called to the [Canadian Federal] Senate in 1907 by His Excellency Earl Grey. Served as Chairman of Standing Committee on Banking and Commerce and Railways, Canals and Telegraph Lines.

Resided at 333 Annette Street in Toronto and was active and respected member of the Victoria Presbyt[erian] Church in West Toronto, as well as being a member of the Ontario Club in Toronto.

Accumulated a considerable fortune and during last fifteen years actively associated with many important industral and financial enterprises. Promoted the Beet Sugar Company in 1901; was President of the Central Railway of Canada (which position he resigned about a year ago); was for some years President of Equity Fire Insurance Company (which office he also relinquished some time ago), and held a directorate in the Canadian Millers' Mutual Fire Inurance Company. He was a director of the ill fated Sovereign Bank of Canada and took an interest in music, being president of the Toronto Junction Choral Society.

He married Mirrette, daughter of the late Erastus Burk, of Coloma, Cal., in 1871.

Jan. 7, 1913 (from Chatham Daily Planet, Chatham, Kent County, Ontario) ...One of the Old Guard of Ontario Liberals who stood by the side of Laurier when the Conservatives seemed invincible. A Liberal by conviction and carried his political philosophy into his business life. When the big millers of Canada were united almost to a man against reciprocity because they feared the removal of duty upon grain and the reduction of the duty on flour and the by products of the mills, Campbell, with the sturdy independence of his Scottish ancestors, declared that he had no fear of being overborne in competition with the millers of the United States, and would be content to carry on his business under the conditions that would best advance the prosperity of the Canadian farmer.

Jan. 10, 1913 (from Chatham Daily Planet, Chatham, Kent County, Ontario obituary excerpt): The private service took place at 12 o'clock, Jan. 8, 1913, at the home of his son in law, G[eorge] S[amuel] Deeks, 77 Admiral Rd., and was conducted by Rev. D.T.L. McKerroll, assisted by Rev. David Lang. Casket was then conveyed to Victoria Church, which was filled with old friends and acquaintances, men prominent in the public life of Canada, also employees of Mr. Campbell. Simple and most impressive service in charge of Rev. McKerroll, Rev. Lang, and Rev. Robert Fowlie. Casket embedded in a profusion of flowers. One hundred and fifty employees looked upon the remains before the cortege left for the cemetery. Pallbearers were: Senator Gibson, Bowmanville; Senator Robert Beith, Bowmanville; R.L. McCormack; R.C. Jennings; T.M. Campbell; Dr. J.T. Gilmour; Dr. G.W. Clendenan (did inquest on death of [Archie's brother] James W[ier] Campbell [1849-1895] at Flour Mill), and N.H. Stevens, Chatham. A.W. Miles had charge of the funeral arrangements.

Hon. Archibald Campbell, after an illness of three weeks and following surgery at Wellesley Hosp. Dec. 31, 1912. Senator, came from Ottawa "about 3 weeks ago" in ill health to home of daughter Mrs. George B. [sic] Deeks. Operation successfully performed by Drs. Fred Starr, Alex. McPhedran, and A. R. Gordon. [Dr. Gordon was listed at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Interment Register as attending physician.] Senator showed signs of recovery during four days following, but Jan. 5th, at noon, suffered relapse and expired at 3:15 p.m. of heart failure.

Survived by wife, three sons, and three daughters: Archibald W[ier]; Douglas A[rgyle]; and Norman H[oward] all connected with the milling concern (Campbell Flour Mills Company, Limited, West Toronto) their father founded; Mrs. (Maud) Spencer Stone of Chatham; Mrs. [Mabel] James E[mberley] Wallbridge of Edmonton, Alta.; and Mrs. [Nellie] George S[amuel] Deeks, of 77 Admiral Road, Toronto.

Interment Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Rev. D.T.L. McKerroll, pastor of Victoria Presbyterian Church, West Toronto (Senator a member) conducting service. Another service may also be held in Bloor Street Presbyterian Church.

Notes From p 162 of The Canadian Parliament, Biographical Sketches and Photo-Engravures of the Senators and Members of The House of Commons of Canada :

"(photo) ARCH. CAMPBELL. (York C.) Archibald Campbell was born in the Township of Howard, County of Kent, Ontario, on April 27,1845. His parents came from Argyleshire, Scotland. He was educated at the Public and High Schools of Kent. He was long engaged in Milling at Chatham. He was married on February 8, 1871, to Miss Mirette Bark, of Coloma, Cal. He was for several years member of the Council of Chatham which he represented in the County Council. He was chairman of the Finance Committee in the Town and the County.- He was first elected to the House of Commons at the general elections of 1887 ; he was unseated but re elected in May 1888 and again at the general elections of 1891 and 1896. He was an unsuccessful candidate in West York at the general elections of 1900, but he was elected in 1901, upon the death of Hon. N. C. Wallace. He was elected in 1 904 for Centre York. At the session of 1905, he was elected Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Commerce. He is the Permanent Chairman of the Liberal Sessional Caucuses. He is a Liberal. Toronto Junction." [22]